Top School Tips for Parents to Steal ASAP

No matter what, school can be rough sometimes. It’s the little things that can make or break the school year. That’s why you should absolutely steal these top school tips right now.

Putting just a few of these school tips into practice at any time during the school year has the potential to totally change your game.

Top School Tips for Parents to Steal ASAP

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1. Sandwich Method Emails

This is my absolute favorite game changer. Emails are the primary method of communication. Sending ones that are super short or overly blunt could be putting a cramp in your school style. Parents who use this school tip see positive changes!

Instead, package your emails like this: positive statement-questions/request/concern-positive statement. Putting something you like about the teacher, class, or a recent assignment can help to smooth the way for your core message. Plus, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

2. Command Center

Half the battle when it comes to school is keeping track of it all. In your house, set up one zone for everything school. I like to recommend having a really big corkboard/whiteboard combo. The corkboard gives you a place to tack up flyers, assignments, and school calendars. The whiteboard lets you jot down notes and reminders. Keep a wall calendar nearby, too.

Underneath the calendar and corkboard/whiteboard, place some shelves or cubbies. Designate a specific space for each child to keep supplies and backpacks.

Having a specific place to keep track of and store everything makes the morning routine much easier!

3. Routines for the Win

A smooth school day starts at home. Having a routine to start and end the day is crucial for success.

Eat a pre-portioned breakfast like overnight oats or big batch breakfast sandwiches. Create a lunch assembly line or station with deli meat, bread, fruits, water, and snacks. Start the crockpot so that dinner is done later on. Grab the packed bags from the command center as everyone heads out the door.

After school, give your kids a break before they dive into the homework. When they do buckle down, make sure they’re working in a homework zone that works for them. Sort papers into three bins: finished/graded work, papers to sign, and work to do. You should help younger children with the sorting, but let older kids handle it themselves.

Pack as much as you can tonight: finished homework back into backpacks, non-perishables into lunch boxes, clothes. Make sure papers are signed and where they need to be.

4. Communicate Often

Being an informed parent makes you more effective. Today’s teachers have many ways to get in touch with parents.

Many classrooms have websites or online classrooms where assignments and updates are regularly posts. There might also be a regular print newsletter. Make sure you’re reading these and checking for answers.

When you do have concerns, email the teacher ASAP. Use the email strategy from the first tip to help you get the best results.

5. Be Aware of Grades

One of my biggest school tips for parents is to review grades often.

When you do a quick mid-quarter or mid-semester grade check, you’re making sure that everything is going as expected. You’ll get a snapshot of how your child is doing in school. You can spot missing assignments and catch any “surprises” early.

Parents should avoid over-checking grades. I recommend checking once every 2-4 weeks if your child is working on grade level.

Sticking to these guidelines gives teachers a chance to input and update grades.

6. Know Your Child

No two children, even identical twins, are exactly alike. Every child will achieve at different levels and show talent in different areas. Be honest about your child’s strengths and weaknesses, then play to them.

Encourage your child to succeed just as they are. Try not to compare one child to another, especially a sibling or close friend.

What are your top school tips for parents? Share your best advice in the comments!